We just…we couldn’t wait any longer. We had to see her.” Her eyes darted to Emily, softening. “To see you.” Clara’s stomach lurched. “We agreed on the day after tomorrow,” she said sharply, stepping in front of Emily. “This isn’t a good time.” The man’s jaw clenched, his tone harder. “Do you have any idea how long we’ve searched? Eighteen years.
Eighteen years of dead ends and empty answers. And now—finally—we find her, and you expect us to wait?” His voice cracked with anger, edged by exhaustion. Emily’s gaze flicked between them, her voice unsteady. “Mom…what’s happening?” Clara’s throat felt like it was closing, but she forced the words out, steady despite the tremor in her hands.